Enjoy Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor and the North Shore
Photo – Hawaii Tourism Authority/Tor Johnsonnd Leahi
Oahu is best known for the bustling city of Honolulu, the epic shoreline of Waikiki Beach, the site of Pearl Harbor and, of course, the surfer’s paradise of the North Shore. It’s a large island that should be explored in its entirety, beginning in Honolulu, an international metropolis, where sandy shores meet city streets. Here you will find world-class dining and shopping, in addition to Waikiki Beach, one of the world’s most famous beaches. On the western coast of the island is the relatively new community of Ko Olina, which offers a more intimate experience, away from the city. And, of course, there is the North Shore, where the laid-back surfer vibes take precedence. No matter where you stay, the best way to experience the island is by seeing all of it.
Unique Ways to Enjoy the Island
Eco-Kayaking Adventures
Located at He’eia State Park, Holokai Adventures is an eco-adventure outfitter that offers various kayaking tours on a bay known for spectacular reefs, stunning views of the Ko’olau Mountains and for calm, protected waters. Over on the North Shore, at Turtle Bay Resort, Shaka Kayaks offers eco-kayak tours as well, featuring clear bottom kayaks that take you up close and personal with colorful corals, fish and turtles.
Catamaran Sunset Sail
Enjoy a scenic sunset cruise with cocktails and appetizers with Hawaiian Nautical as you sail south towards Diamond Head on a catamaran, capturing stunning images of the coastline, and, of course, the sunset as it sets below the horizon.
Doors Off Chopper Ride
There are many helicopter options on the island, but none compare to the Magnum Experience provided by Paradise Helicopters. Covering the island from above, the tour will show you all of the island’s highlights, including the North Shore, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, Waikiki, and more. Did we mention this is all done in a doors off helicopter that is an exact replica of the chopper used in the TV series? There are various tour options, including tours that depart from Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore.
Plant a Legacy Tree
Gunstock Ranch offers various options and packages, including its Horseback Planter’s Experience. During this 2.5-hour experience, guests embark on a guided horseback tour that travels up beautiful mountainside trails that offer stunning views of the ocean, coastline, hills and the valley of the Koolau Mountains. On the way back, you will descend into the Hawaiian Legacy Forest, where you will be able to select your own Legacy Tree that you will personally plant and dedicate. The trees are tracked via radio-frequency identification technology, and you are provided with a certificate of planting that enables you to track the location and growth of your tree.
Where to Eat
The Street Food Hall by Michael Mina – Food halls are slowly taking over the culinary world. Now imagine a food hall curated by acclaimed Chef Michael Mina in the heart of Honolulu. It doesn’t get any better than this. The incredible space has options from burgers to pizza to beer to some of the most inventive craft tiki cocktails on the island.
Maui Brewing Co. – Located inside the Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger, the restaurant features an expansive open-air interior with a family-friendly vibe. The bar features 36 craft beers on tap, including Maui Brewing year-round, and special releases. The natural island-inspired cuisine utilizes the best in fresh, locally-sourced produce.
Morimoto Asia – Conceived by internationally acclaimed Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Morimoto Asia serves as the signature restaurant of the Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach. The dinner-only culinary destination features Chef Morimoto’s iconic cuisines that seamlessly integrates Western and traditional Asian ingredients with unmatched creativity and innovation.
Momosan Ramen Waikiki – Noodles are front and center at Chef Morimoto’s latest Waikiki hot spot, although the menu has a range of offerings, including 20 different sake options, eight of which are Morimoto signature sake.
Where to Stay
Honolulu
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach – Located on the gateway to Waikiki Beach and adjacent to the world-class shops of Luxury Row, the Residences grace the world-renowned Waikiki skyline. With 552 ocean-view residences, combined with the legendary services of The Ritz-Carlton, guests staying here can enjoy amenities such as a full-service spa, fitness center, Waikiki’s two highest infinity pools and five extraordinary dining experiences, including Sushi Sho, an acclaimed sushi restaurant led by legendary master Keiji Nakazawa.
Ko Olina
Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina – The Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina sits on Oahu’s wild and rugged western coast, where vast ocean views and lively pools and lagoons provide the setting for an unforgettable resort adventure. Guest rooms and suites provide some of the most coveted views of the island and come with all the modern-day comforts that you never knew you needed, like an in-room iPad for your use during your stay.
North Shore
Turtle Bay Resort – The resort is located on the North Shore of Oahu, set on nearly 1,300 acres with five miles of unspoiled coastline and 12 miles of hiking/biking trails. Guests can enjoy ocean views from every guest room, a full-service spa and salon, 36 holes of championship golf, seven restaurants and bars and an array of outdoor activities and excursions, like helicopter and eco-kayak tours.